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WITH THE 2009 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup European side named and four of the five members of Team USA already selected, promoters Matchroom Sport can announce that the final berth on the American team will be determined by a public vote which opens today on the pages of www.matchroompool.com
The top four players on the BCA Points List – Oscar Dominguez, Corey Deuel, Shane Van Boening and Johnny Archer – have all got the nod and will be lining up in Team USA colours from 10-13 December at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.
That leaves one spot available and this will go to the player from the next highest ranked eight American players who amasses the most votes before the poll closed at midnight UK time on Sunday 15th November. They are:
Shawn Putnam
Charlie Williams
Charlie Bryant
Stevie Moore
Rodney Morris
Kim Davenport
Dennis Hatch
John Schmidt
Five out of the eight have tasted the Mosconi Cup atmosphere before, while the other three may be on for the pool experience of a life time, but whoever it may be, the general public will decide.
Please be aware that the software employed in the voting mechanism precludes multiple voting from IP addresses. Due to technical reasons and the fact that these players have fans around the world, voting will be open to all interested pool fans.
To vote, please go to the home page of www.matchroompool.com , click on the ‘Mosconi Cup Idol’ logo, tick your desired candidate and submit your vote. It’s as simple as that.
The Players
Shawn Putnam (ranked #7) – represented America in the 2005 Mosconi Cup in Vegas where he garnered a two wins from five match record. ‘Big Bubba’ will be itching for a return to Mosconi action.
Charlie Williams (ranked #8) – a veteran of five Mosconi Cups, Williams has been on the victorious side four times including downing the winning 9 ball in Holland in 2004. Plenty of experience of the white heat of Mosconi Cup battle.
Charlie Bryant (ranked #9) – the big-breaking Bryant has been a fringe Mosconi Cup contender for a few years now. Patriotic to the core, ‘Hillbilly’ would certainly make his presence felt in Vegas.
Stevie Moore (ranked #10) – well thought of, Moore has been knocking on the door of Mosconi Cup selection in recent years. Could 2009 be the year he breaks through?
Rodney Morris (ranked #11) – the fourth highest American points scorer in Mosconi Cup history, Morris has won 19 of 30 matches in his six appearances for Team USA. A team player, the Rocket has been a valuable asset to the USA in previous Mosconi Cups.
Kim Davenport (ranked #13) – first played in the event in 1997 and went on to make two further appearances. Davenport’s eight wins from 14 game record helped his side win on those three occasions. A former Mosconi Cup skipper, Kim is the eldest and most experienced of the contenders.
Dennis Hatch (ranked #14) – the aggressive Hatch could be just what the USA needs when battle commences. Renowned as a 9 ball player, Hatch has operated under the Mosconi Cup radar until now.
John Schmidt (ranked #15) – ‘Mr 400’ made his one and only Mosconi appearance in the drawn match in Rotterdam in 2006 where he recorded a single victory. The 2006 US Open Champ will be looking for the chance to make amends.
The 2009 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup takes place from Thursday to Sunday 10-13 December at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
Live in its entirety on Sky Sports in the UK, the event features two five-man teams representing Europe and the USA doing battle in a series of singles and doubles matches. Now in its 16th year, the Americans hold a 10-4 lead with one tied match in 2006.
Tickets for the Mosconi Cup are available from:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/2009-Mosconi-Cup-tickets/artist/1334375
or 1-800 745 300 or from the MGM Grand on 1-800 929 1111 or 702 891 7777.
